Discover Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania

Whether you have lived in the Keystone State all your life or you are considering a move, Pennsylvania nursing homes offer a wide range of services tailored to your specific needs. With a staggering 732 skilled nursing communities in Pennsylvania alone, finding a nursing home doesn’t have to be a difficult process!

Nursing home care is rarely an inexpensive investment for many families. The median annual cost of a private room in Pennsylvania is $113,150 with semi-private rooms costing about $104,485. These prices are well above the national average costs. There are many nursing homes and skilled nursing communities located in Pennsylvania, so shopping around can help to find the right price and home for your situation.

Recreation & Attractions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has much to offer. Seniors can take a trip to the Sweetest Place on Earth in Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of Hershey’s chocolate. Visit Chocolate World and learn how Hershey’s makes their chocolate, or catch a show at the Hershey Theatre.

Seniors can explore cities like Pittsburgh boasting the Carnegie Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, and Science Center. Civil War buffs can tour the Gettysburg National Military Park or stop by Lancaster County for some quality Amish baking and a diverse blend of small businesses and culture in the Red Rose City.

For everyday activities and events, check out senior centers in Pennsylvania to connect with friends and get involved in the community. Many centers provide transportation to and from homes where you’ll have the opportunity to engage in wellness programs and seminars. There’s always something new to experience no matter how old you get!

Pennsylvania’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Pennsylvania is a state of incredible historic value and many diverse city centers and cultures. Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has been instrumental in holding the United States together since William Penn and other Quaker settlers arrived as early as 1704. The state is a melting pot of urban lifestyle in big cities like Philadelphia, and quiet, rural Amish life in Central PA.

The climate in Pennsylvania depends on location and altitude. The state has long and hot summers that are humid. The mountainous areas in the state are cooler, though still humid during summer months. Summer temperature can reach well past 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but typically will remain in the 80-degree range. Cold and snowy winters bring temperature averages of about 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Near places like Lake Erie, you may see over 100 inches of snowfall annually, though the rest of the state may get about 40 inches.

Pennsylvania’s Nursing Home Regulations & Laws

Nursing homes in Pennsylvania are regulated but the PA Department of Health, which conducts inspections on licensed homes in the state. A team is specifically selected to conduct inspections in each nursing home. Inspectors will observe nursing home operations to ensure that all regulations are being followed and that residents are provided with high quality of care. Issues found during a survey must be corrected or the nursing homes license can be revoked.

Crime & Safety in Pennsylvania

In terms of violent and property crimes in PA, rates are lower than the national average. Although there is a higher percentage of crime per square mile, which is likely due to densely populated cities like Reading, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Choosing a safe community is likely to keep you or your elderly loved one’s mind at ease while receiving long-term care in Pennsylvania. Below are some of the safest regions in the state:

Payment Options for Skilled Nursing Care in Pennsylvania

Skilled nursing communities and nursing homes in Pennsylvania can be quite expensive for most families to pay out of pocket. Since Medicare and private insurance policies rarely cover long-term care options, many turn to Medicaid for assistance. In order to qualify in Pennsylvania, applicants must make no more than $2,163 a month and have less than $2,000 in countable assets. Additionally, nursing home care must be deemed medically necessary in order to retain coverage. Since every state is different it is wise to read up on the specifics and how they apply to you or your loved one.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania

When you become a resident in a nursing home in Pennsylvania, you don’t give up the rights you have as a citizen or a resident of the United States. You also have rights as a nursing home resident that must be respected. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, as well as receive appropriate and quality care without discrimination. As a resident, you have the right to be fully informed and participate in all decisions regarding your care plan, which also includes the right to refuse medical treatment, medications, or experimental procedures. Make sure that you are aware of all the rights afforded to you has a nursing home resident.

Pennsylvania Nursing Home Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in Pennsylvania are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.

There’s plenty of Penn’s Woods to explore and enjoy, so finding a nursing home in Pennsylvania should be a positive experience for you or your elderly loved one!

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.